Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Tau Ceti Planetary System?

Tau Ceti is a star slightly smaller than the Sun and only 11.9 light years distant. It is among the nearest stars to Earth, and bright enough to be seen with the naked human eye. Now, a team of astronomers thinks Tau Ceti might have a planetary system of at least five worlds, with one of those orbiting in the star's habitable zone, meaning that planet might possibly support life as we know it.

All five of the possible exoplanets need to be confirmed, but three of them look very solid. If Tau Ceti does have planets--especially one that may support life-- it may well be an early target for human interstellar expeditions.